The Birth of Prithu from Vena's Churned Body, and His Pursuit of the Earth

Verse 1 (padma.2.28.1)

ऋषय ऊचुः- विस्तरेण समाख्याहि जन्म तस्य महात्मनः । पृथोश्चैव महाभाग श्रोतुकामा वयं पुनः

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ- vistareṇa samākhyāhi janma tasya mahātmanaḥ pṛthoścaiva mahābhāga śrotukāmā vayaṁ punaḥ

The sages said: 'Declare in full the birth of that great soul, of Prithu himself, O greatly fortunate one; we wish to hear it once more.'

Verse 2 (padma.2.28.2)

राज्ञा तेन यथा दुग्धा इयं धात्री महात्मना । पुनर्देवैश्च पितृभिर्मुनिभस्तत्त्ववेदिभिः

rājñā tena yathā dugdhā iyaṁ dhātrī mahātmanā punardevaiśca pitṛbhirmunibhastattvavedibhiḥ

—'how this earth, the Nurse, was milked by that great-souled king; and again by the gods, by the ancestors, by the sages, knowers of truth—'

Verse 3 (padma.2.28.3)

यथा दैत्यैश्च नागैश्च यथा यक्षैर्यथा द्रुमैः । शैलैश्चैव पिशाचैश्च गंधर्वैः पुण्यकर्मभिः

yathā daityaiśca nāgaiśca yathā yakṣairyathā drumaiḥ śailaiścaiva piśācaiśca gaṁdharvaiḥ puṇyakarmabhiḥ

—'how by the daityas, by the nagas, how by the yakshas, how by the trees, by the mountains, and by the pishachas, by the gandharvas of meritorious deeds—'

Verse 4 (padma.2.28.4)

ब्राह्मणैश्च तथा सिद्धै राक्षसैर्भीमविक्रमैः । पूर्वमेव यथा दुग्धा अन्यैश्च सुमहात्मभिः

brāhmaṇaiśca tathā siddhai rākṣasairbhīmavikramaiḥ pūrvameva yathā dugdhā anyaiśca sumahātmabhiḥ

—'and by brahmins, and likewise by siddhas, by rakshasas of terrible valor — how she was milked before, by these and other great souls too.'

Verse 5 (padma.2.28.5)

तेषामेव हि सर्वेषां विशेषं पात्रधारणम् । क्षीरस्यापि विधिं ब्रूहि विशेषं च महामते

teṣāmeva hi sarveṣāṁ viśeṣaṁ pātradhāraṇam kṣīrasyāpi vidhiṁ brūhi viśeṣaṁ ca mahāmate

'Tell us the particular vessel held by each of all of them, and the manner of that milking too, in detail, O great-minded one.'

Verse 6 (padma.2.28.6)

वेनस्यापि नृपस्यैव पाणिरेव महात्मनः । ऋषिभिर्मथितः पूर्वं स कस्मादिह कारणात्

venasyāpi nṛpasyaiva pāṇireva mahātmanaḥ ṛṣibhirmathitaḥ pūrvaṁ sa kasmādiha kāraṇāt

'And the very hand of King Vena, that great soul, was churned before by the sages — for what reason was this done here?'

Verse 7 (padma.2.28.7)

क्रुद्धश्चैव महापुण्यैः सूतपुत्र वदस्व नः । विचित्रेयं कथा पुण्या सर्वपापप्रणाशिनी

kruddhaścaiva mahāpuṇyaiḥ sūtaputra vadasva naḥ vicitreyaṁ kathā puṇyā sarvapāpapraṇāśinī

'For what reason were the greatly meritorious ones angered — tell us, O son of Suta. Wondrous is this meritorious story, destroyer of every sin.'

Verse 8 (padma.2.28.8)

श्रोतुकामा महाभाग तृप्तिर्नैव प्रजायते । सूत उवाच- वैन्यस्य हि पृथोश्चैव तस्य विस्तरमेव च

śrotukāmā mahābhāga tṛptirnaiva prajāyate sūta uvāca- vainyasya hi pṛthoścaiva tasya vistarameva ca

'We long to hear it, O greatly fortunate one; no satisfaction ever comes of it.' Suta said: Of Prithu, son of Vena, his full account indeed—

Verse 9 (padma.2.28.9)

जन्मवीर्यं तथा क्षेत्रं पौरुषं द्विजसत्तमाः । प्रवक्ष्यामि यथा सर्वं चरित्रं तस्य धीमतः

janmavīryaṁ tathā kṣetraṁ pauruṣaṁ dvijasattamāḥ pravakṣyāmi yathā sarvaṁ caritraṁ tasya dhīmataḥ

—his birth, his valor, and likewise his domain, his manliness, O worthy brahmins — I shall relate in full the whole conduct of that wise one.

Verse 10 (padma.2.28.10)

शुश्रूषध्वं महाभागा मामेवं द्विजसत्तमाः । अभक्ताय न वक्तव्यमश्रद्धाय शठाय च

śuśrūṣadhvaṁ mahābhāgā māmevaṁ dvijasattamāḥ abhaktāya na vaktavyamaśraddhāya śaṭhāya ca

Attend to me thus, O greatly fortunate, worthy brahmins; this should never be told to one without devotion, without faith, or to a rogue—

Verse 11 (padma.2.28.11)

सुमूर्खाय सुमोहाय कुशिष्याय तथैव च । श्रद्धाहीनाय कूटाय सर्वनाशाय मा द्विजाः

sumūrkhāya sumohāya kuśiṣyāya tathaiva ca śraddhāhīnāya kūṭāya sarvanāśāya mā dvijāḥ

—nor to a great fool, one greatly deluded, or a bad disciple likewise; never, O brahmins, to one devoid of faith, deceitful, or bent on total ruin.

Verse 12 (padma.2.28.12)

अन्यथा पठते यो हि निरयं च प्रयाति हि । भवंतो भावसंयुक्ताः सत्यधर्मपरायणाः

anyathā paṭhate yo hi nirayaṁ ca prayāti hi bhavaṁto bhāvasaṁyuktāḥ satyadharmaparāyaṇāḥ

Whoever recites it otherwise indeed goes to hell. You, however, are joined with true feeling, devoted wholly to truth and dharma—

Verse 13 (padma.2.28.13)

भवतामग्रतः सर्वं चरित्रं पापनाशनम् । संप्रवक्ष्याम्यशेषेण शृणुध्वं द्विजसत्तमाः

bhavatāmagrataḥ sarvaṁ caritraṁ pāpanāśanam saṁpravakṣyāmyaśeṣeṇa śṛṇudhvaṁ dvijasattamāḥ

—so before you I shall relate this whole sin-destroying account in full; listen, O worthy brahmins.

Verse 14 (padma.2.28.14)

स्वर्ग्यं यशस्यमायुष्यं धन्यं वेदैश्च संमितम् । रहस्यमृषिभिः प्रोक्तं प्रवक्ष्यामि द्विजोत्तमाः

svargyaṁ yaśasyamāyuṣyaṁ dhanyaṁ vedaiśca saṁmitam rahasyamṛṣibhiḥ proktaṁ pravakṣyāmi dvijottamāḥ

Heaven-bestowing, glorious, life-extending, blessed, and honored equally with the Vedas — this secret teaching declared by the sages I shall relate, O best of brahmins.

Verse 15 (padma.2.28.15)

यश्चैनं कीर्तयेन्नित्यं पृथोर्वैन्यस्य विस्तरम् । ब्राह्मणेभ्यो नमस्कृत्वा न स शोचेत्कृताकृतम्

yaścainaṁ kīrtayennityaṁ pṛthorvainyasya vistaram brāhmaṇebhyo namaskṛtvā na sa śocetkṛtākṛtam

Whoever ever recites this full account of Prithu, son of Vena, bowing to brahmins, need never grieve for anything done or left undone.

Verse 16 (padma.2.28.16)

सप्तजन्मार्जितं पापं श्रुतमात्रेण नश्यति । ब्राह्मणो वेदविद्वांश्च क्षत्रियो विजयी भवेत्

saptajanmārjitaṁ pāpaṁ śrutamātreṇa naśyati brāhmaṇo vedavidvāṁśca kṣatriyo vijayī bhavet

Sin accumulated over seven births is destroyed by merely hearing it; a brahmin becomes learned in the Veda, and a kshatriya becomes victorious.

Verse 17 (padma.2.28.17)

वैश्यो धनसमृद्धः स्याच्छूद्रः सुखमवाप्नुयात् । एवं फलं समाप्नोति पठनाच्छ्रवणादपि

vaiśyo dhanasamṛddhaḥ syācchūdraḥ sukhamavāpnuyāt evaṁ phalaṁ samāpnoti paṭhanācchravaṇādapi

A vaishya becomes rich in wealth, a shudra attains happiness; such is the fruit obtained through reciting or even merely hearing it.

Verse 18 (padma.2.28.18)

पृथोर्जन्मचरित्रं च पवित्रं पापनाशनम् । धर्मगोप्ता महाप्राज्ञो वेदशास्त्रार्थकोविदः

pṛthorjanmacaritraṁ ca pavitraṁ pāpanāśanam dharmagoptā mahāprājño vedaśāstrārthakovidaḥ

The birth-story of Prithu is purifying, destroying sin. There was a greatly wise guardian of dharma, skilled in the meaning of the Vedas and the scriptures—

Verse 19 (padma.2.28.19)

अत्रिवंशसमुत्पन्नः पूर्वमत्रिसमः प्रभुः । स्रष्टा सर्वस्य धर्मस्य अंगो नाम प्रजापतिः

atrivaṁśasamutpannaḥ pūrvamatrisamaḥ prabhuḥ sraṣṭā sarvasya dharmasya aṁgo nāma prajāpatiḥ

—born in the lineage of Atri, that Lord, equal to Atri himself before — the creator of all dharma, the Prajapati named Anga.

Verse 20 (padma.2.28.20)

य आसीत्तस्य पुत्रो वै वेनो नाम प्रजापतिः । धर्ममेवं परित्यज्य सर्वदैव प्रवर्तते

ya āsīttasya putro vai veno nāma prajāpatiḥ dharmamevaṁ parityajya sarvadaiva pravartate

His son was the Prajapati named Vena, who, abandoning dharma thus, conducted himself always wrongly.

Verse 21 (padma.2.28.21)

मृत्योः कन्या महाभागा सुनीथा नाम नामतः । तां तु अंगो महाभागः सुनीथामुपयेमिवान्

mṛtyoḥ kanyā mahābhāgā sunīthā nāma nāmataḥ tāṁ tu aṁgo mahābhāgaḥ sunīthāmupayemivān

There was a greatly fortunate daughter of Mrityu, Death, named Sunitha by name; that Sunitha did that greatly fortunate Anga marry.

Verse 22 (padma.2.28.22)

तस्यामुत्पादयामास वेनं धर्मप्रणाशनम् । मातामहस्य दोषेण वेनः कालात्मजात्मजः

tasyāmutpādayāmāsa venaṁ dharmapraṇāśanam mātāmahasya doṣeṇa venaḥ kālātmajātmajaḥ

Upon her he begot Vena, the destroyer of dharma; through the fault of his maternal grandfather, Vena, son of the very child of Kala, Death—

Verse 23 (padma.2.28.23)

निजधर्मं परित्यज्य अधर्मनिरतोभवत् । कामाल्लोभान्महामोहात्पापमेव समाचरत्

nijadharmaṁ parityajya adharmaniratobhavat kāmāllobhānmahāmohātpāpameva samācarat

—abandoning his own proper dharma, became devoted to unrighteousness; out of desire, greed, and great delusion, he engaged in sin alone.

Verse 24 (padma.2.28.24)

वेदाचारमयं धर्मं परित्यज्य नराधिपः । अन्ववर्तत पापेन मदमत्सरमोहितः

vedācāramayaṁ dharmaṁ parityajya narādhipaḥ anvavartata pāpena madamatsaramohitaḥ

That lord of men, abandoning the dharma consisting of Vedic practice, conducted himself through sin, deluded by pride and envy.

Verse 25 (padma.2.28.25)

वेदाध्यायं विना लोके प्रावर्तंत तदा जनाः । निःस्वाध्यायवषट्काराः प्रजास्तस्मिन्प्रजापतौ

vedādhyāyaṁ vinā loke prāvartaṁta tadā janāḥ niḥsvādhyāyavaṣaṭkārāḥ prajāstasminprajāpatau

Without study of the Veda did people then conduct themselves in the world; the subjects, under that Prajapati, were without self-study or the sacred exclamation Vashat.

Verse 26 (padma.2.28.26)

प्रवृत्तं न पपुः सोमं हुतं यज्ञेषु देवताः । इत्युवाच स दुष्टात्मा ब्राह्मणान्प्रति नित्यशः

pravṛttaṁ na papuḥ somaṁ hutaṁ yajñeṣu devatāḥ ityuvāca sa duṣṭātmā brāhmaṇānprati nityaśaḥ

The gods did not drink the Soma offered in sacrifices, as was proper. Thus did that wicked-souled one speak constantly toward the brahmins:

Verse 27 (padma.2.28.27)

नाध्येतव्यं न होतव्यं न देयं दानमेव च । न यष्टव्यं न होतव्यमिति तस्य प्रजापतेः

nādhyetavyaṁ na hotavyaṁ na deyaṁ dānameva ca na yaṣṭavyaṁ na hotavyamiti tasya prajāpateḥ

—'No study shall be undertaken, no oblation offered, no gift given at all; no sacrifice performed, no oblation offered' — such was that Prajapati's—

Verse 28 (padma.2.28.28)

आसीत्प्रतिज्ञा क्रूरेयं विनाशे प्रत्युपस्थिते । अहमिज्यश्च यष्टा च यज्ञश्चेति पुनः पुनः

āsītpratijñā krūreyaṁ vināśe pratyupasthite ahamijyaśca yaṣṭā ca yajñaśceti punaḥ punaḥ

—this cruel decree, as his own destruction drew near. 'I alone am to be worshipped, I am the sacrificer, and I am the sacrifice itself,' he declared again and again.

Verse 29 (padma.2.28.29)

मयि यज्ञा विधातव्या मयि होतव्यमित्यपि । इत्यब्रवीत्सदा वेनो ह्यहं विष्णुः सनातनः

mayi yajñā vidhātavyā mayi hotavyamityapi ityabravītsadā veno hyahaṁ viṣṇuḥ sanātanaḥ

—'Sacrifices should be performed unto me, oblations offered unto me' — thus did Vena ever declare: 'I am the eternal Vishnu—'

Verse 30 (padma.2.28.30)

अहं ब्रह्मा अहं रुद्रो मित्र इंद्रः सदागतिः । अहमेव प्रभोक्ता च हव्यं कव्यं न संशयः

ahaṁ brahmā ahaṁ rudro mitra iṁdraḥ sadāgatiḥ ahameva prabhoktā ca havyaṁ kavyaṁ na saṁśayaḥ

—'I am Brahma, I am Rudra, Mitra, Indra, the eternal course itself; I alone am the enjoyer of every offering to gods and ancestors, no doubt of it.'

Verse 31 (padma.2.28.31)

अथ ते मुनयः क्रुद्धा वेनं प्रति महाबलाः । ऊचुस्ते संगताः सर्वे राजानं पापचेतनम्

atha te munayaḥ kruddhā venaṁ prati mahābalāḥ ūcuste saṁgatāḥ sarve rājānaṁ pāpacetanam

Then those mighty sages, angered at Vena, all gathered together and spoke to that king of sinful mind:

Verse 32 (padma.2.28.32)

ऋषय ऊचुः- राजा हि पृथिवीनाथः प्रजां पालयते सदा । धर्ममूर्तिः स राजेंद्र तस्माद्धर्मं हि रक्षयेत्

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ- rājā hi pṛthivīnāthaḥ prajāṁ pālayate sadā dharmamūrtiḥ sa rājeṁdra tasmāddharmaṁ hi rakṣayet

The sages said: 'A king, indeed, the lord of the earth, ever protects his subjects; he is the very embodiment of dharma, O king of kings — therefore he must surely uphold dharma.'

Verse 33 (padma.2.28.33)

वयं दीक्षां प्रवेक्ष्यामो यज्ञे द्वादशवार्षिकीम् । अधर्मं कुरु मा यागे नैष धर्मः सतां गतिः

vayaṁ dīkṣāṁ pravekṣyāmo yajñe dvādaśavārṣikīm adharmaṁ kuru mā yāge naiṣa dharmaḥ satāṁ gatiḥ

'We shall enter into the twelve-year consecration for sacrifice; do not commit unrighteousness in this rite — this is not dharma, not the way of the righteous.'

Verse 34 (padma.2.28.34)

कुरु धर्मं महाराज सत्यं पुण्यं समाचर । प्रजाहं पालयिष्यामि इति ते समयः कृतः

kuru dharmaṁ mahārāja satyaṁ puṇyaṁ samācara prajāhaṁ pālayiṣyāmi iti te samayaḥ kṛtaḥ

'Perform dharma, O great king; practice truth and merit. "I shall protect my subjects" — such was the vow you made.'

Verse 35 (padma.2.28.35)

तांस्तथाब्रुवतः सर्वान्महर्षीनब्रवीत्तदा । वेनः प्रहस्य दुर्बुद्धिरिममर्थमनर्थकम्

tāṁstathābruvataḥ sarvānmaharṣīnabravīttadā venaḥ prahasya durbuddhirimamarthamanarthakam

To all those great sages speaking thus, Vena, evil-minded, then replied, laughing, at this fruitless matter:

Verse 36 (padma.2.28.36)

वेन उवाच- स्रष्टा धर्मस्य कश्चान्यः श्रोतव्यं कस्य वा मया । श्रुतवीर्यतपः सत्ये मया वा कः समो भुवि

vena uvāca- sraṣṭā dharmasya kaścānyaḥ śrotavyaṁ kasya vā mayā śrutavīryatapaḥ satye mayā vā kaḥ samo bhuvi

Vena said: 'What other creator of dharma is there? Whose word should I heed? In learning, valor, austerity, and truth — who on this earth is equal to me?'

Verse 37 (padma.2.28.37)

प्रभवं सर्वभूतानां धर्माणां च विशेषतः । संमूढा न विदुर्नूनं भवंतो मां विचेतसः

prabhavaṁ sarvabhūtānāṁ dharmāṇāṁ ca viśeṣataḥ saṁmūḍhā na vidurnūnaṁ bhavaṁto māṁ vicetasaḥ

'The very source of all beings, and of dharmas especially — utterly deluded, senseless, you surely do not truly know me.'

Verse 38 (padma.2.28.38)

इच्छन्दहेयं पृथिवीं प्लावयेयं जलैस्तथा । द्यां भुवं चैव रुंधेयं नात्र कार्या विचारणा

icchandaheyaṁ pṛthivīṁ plāvayeyaṁ jalaistathā dyāṁ bhuvaṁ caiva ruṁdheyaṁ nātra kāryā vicāraṇā

'If I wished, I could burn the earth, or flood it with waters likewise; I could obstruct heaven and earth both — there is no need for deliberation here.'

Verse 39 (padma.2.28.39)

यदा न शक्यते मोहादवलेपाच्च पार्थिव । अपनेतुं तदा वेनं ततः क्रुद्धा महर्षयः

yadā na śakyate mohādavalepācca pārthiva apanetuṁ tadā venaṁ tataḥ kruddhā maharṣayaḥ

When that king Vena could not be turned from his delusion and arrogance, then the great sages, angered—

Verse 40 (padma.2.28.40)

विस्फुरंतं तदा वेनं बलाद्गृह्य ततो रुषा । वेनस्य तस्य सव्योरुं ममंथुर्जातमन्यवः

visphuraṁtaṁ tadā venaṁ balādgṛhya tato ruṣā venasya tasya savyoruṁ mamaṁthurjātamanyavaḥ

—seized that raging Vena by force, and, filled with wrath, churned his very left thigh.

Verse 41 (padma.2.28.41)

कृष्णांजनचयोपेतमतिह्रस्वं विलक्षणम् । दीर्घास्यं च विरूपाक्षं नीलकंचुकवर्चसम्

kṛṣṇāṁjanacayopetamatihrasvaṁ vilakṣaṇam dīrghāsyaṁ ca virūpākṣaṁ nīlakaṁcukavarcasam

There arose one dark as a mass of black collyrium, exceedingly short, deformed, long-mouthed, ugly-eyed, of the hue of a dark blue garment—

Verse 42 (padma.2.28.42)

लंबोदरं व्यूढकर्णमतिभीतं दुरोदरम् । ददृशुस्ते महात्मानो निषीदेत्यब्रुवंस्ततः

laṁbodaraṁ vyūḍhakarṇamatibhītaṁ durodaram dadṛśuste mahātmāno niṣīdetyabruvaṁstataḥ

—pendulous-bellied, with protruding ears, utterly frightened, ill-formed of belly. Those great souls, seeing him, then said: 'Sit down!'

Verse 43 (padma.2.28.43)

तेषां तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा निषसाद भयातुरः । पर्वतेषु वनेष्वेव तस्य वंशः प्रतिष्ठितः

teṣāṁ tadvacanaṁ śrutvā niṣasāda bhayāturaḥ parvateṣu vaneṣveva tasya vaṁśaḥ pratiṣṭhitaḥ

Hearing that word of theirs, he sat down, stricken with fear; his lineage became established in the mountains and forests.

Verse 44 (padma.2.28.44)

निषादाश्च किराताश्च भिल्लानाहलकास्तथा । भ्रमराश्च पुलिंदाश्च ये चान्ये म्लेच्छजातयः

niṣādāśca kirātāśca bhillānāhalakāstathā bhramarāśca puliṁdāśca ye cānye mlecchajātayaḥ

The Nishadas and the Kiratas, the Bhillas and the Nahalas likewise, the Bhramaras and the Pulindas, and whatever other barbarian tribes—

Verse 45 (padma.2.28.45)

पापाचारास्तु ते सर्वे तस्मादंगात्प्रजज्ञिरे । अथ ते ऋषयः सर्वे प्रसन्नमनसस्ततः

pāpācārāstu te sarve tasmādaṁgātprajajñire atha te ṛṣayaḥ sarve prasannamanasastataḥ

—all these, of sinful conduct, were born from that very limb of Vena. Then all those sages, their minds now content—

Verse 46 (padma.2.28.46)

गतकल्मषमेवं तं जातं वेनं नृपोत्तमम् । ममंथुर्दक्षिणं पाणिं तस्यैव च महात्मनः

gatakalmaṣamevaṁ taṁ jātaṁ venaṁ nṛpottamam mamaṁthurdakṣiṇaṁ pāṇiṁ tasyaiva ca mahātmanaḥ

—regarded that Vena, best of kings, now born free of sin; and they churned the right hand of that same great soul.

Verse 47 (padma.2.28.47)

मथिते तस्य पाणौ तु संजातं स्वेदमेव हि । पुनर्ममंथुस्ते विप्रा दक्षिणं पाणिमेव च

mathite tasya pāṇau tu saṁjātaṁ svedameva hi punarmamaṁthuste viprā dakṣiṇaṁ pāṇimeva ca

When his hand was churned, sweat indeed arose; those brahmins churned that right hand once more.

Verse 48 (padma.2.28.48)

सुकरात्पुरुषो जज्ञे द्वादशादित्यसन्निभः । तप्तकांचनवर्णांगो दिव्यमाल्यांबरावृतः

sukarātpuruṣo jajñe dvādaśādityasannibhaḥ taptakāṁcanavarṇāṁgo divyamālyāṁbarāvṛtaḥ

From that well-formed hand a person was born, resembling the twelve Adityas, his limbs the hue of molten gold, wrapped in divine garlands and garments—

Verse 49 (padma.2.28.49)

दिव्याभरणशोभांगो दिव्यगंधानुलेपनः । मुकुटेनार्कवर्णेन कुंडलाभ्यां विराजते

divyābharaṇaśobhāṁgo divyagaṁdhānulepanaḥ mukuṭenārkavarṇena kuṁḍalābhyāṁ virājate

—his limbs resplendent with divine ornaments, anointed with divine fragrance, shining with a crown of the hue of the sun and with two earrings.

Verse 50 (padma.2.28.50)

महाकायो महाबाहू रूपेणाप्रतिमो भुवि । खड्गबाणधरो धन्वी कवची च महाप्रभुः

mahākāyo mahābāhū rūpeṇāpratimo bhuvi khaḍgabāṇadharo dhanvī kavacī ca mahāprabhuḥ

Mighty of body, mighty-armed, unmatched in form upon this earth; bearing sword and arrows, a bowman, armored, that great lord—

Verse 51 (padma.2.28.51)

सर्वलक्षणसंपन्नः सर्वालंकारभूषणः । तेजसा रूपभावेन सुवर्णैश्च महामतिः

sarvalakṣaṇasaṁpannaḥ sarvālaṁkārabhūṣaṇaḥ tejasā rūpabhāvena suvarṇaiśca mahāmatiḥ

—endowed with every auspicious mark, adorned with every ornament; that great-minded one, through splendor, beauty, and golden radiance—

Verse 52 (padma.2.28.52)

दिवि इंद्रो यथा भाति भुवि वेनात्मजस्तथा । तस्मिञ्जाते महाभागे देवाश्च ऋषयोमलाः

divi iṁdro yathā bhāti bhuvi venātmajastathā tasmiñjāte mahābhāge devāśca ṛṣayomalāḥ

—shone forth on earth just as Indra shines in heaven, that son of Vena. When that greatly fortunate one was born, the gods and the spotless sages—

Verse 53 (padma.2.28.53)

उत्सवं चक्रिरे सर्वे वेनस्य तनयं प्रति । दीप्यमानः स्ववपुषा साक्षादग्निरिवोज्ज्वलः

utsavaṁ cakrire sarve venasya tanayaṁ prati dīpyamānaḥ svavapuṣā sākṣādagnirivojjvalaḥ

—all made festival for that son of Vena, blazing with his own splendor like fire itself made manifest.

Verse 54 (padma.2.28.54)

आद्यमाजगवं नाम धनुर्गृह्य महावरम् । शरान्दिव्यांश्च रक्षार्थे कवचं च महाप्रभम्

ādyamājagavaṁ nāma dhanurgṛhya mahāvaram śarāndivyāṁśca rakṣārthe kavacaṁ ca mahāprabham

He took up the primeval bow named Ajagava, most excellent, divine arrows for protection, and armor of great splendor.

Verse 55 (padma.2.28.55)

जाते सति महाभागे पृथौ वीरे महात्मनि । संप्रह्रष्टानि भूतानि समस्तानि द्विजोत्तम

jāte sati mahābhāge pṛthau vīre mahātmani saṁprahraṣṭāni bhūtāni samastāni dvijottama

When that greatly fortunate, heroic, great-souled Prithu was born, all beings without exception rejoiced greatly, O best of brahmins.

Verse 56 (padma.2.28.56)

सर्वतीर्थानि तोयानि पुण्यानि विविधानि च । तस्याभिषेके विप्रेंद्राः सर्व एव प्रतस्थिरे

sarvatīrthāni toyāni puṇyāni vividhāni ca tasyābhiṣeke vipreṁdrāḥ sarva eva pratasthire

All the sacred waters of every tirtha, of manifold merit, O foremost of brahmins, all set out for his very consecration.

Verse 57 (padma.2.28.57)

पितामहाद्या देवास्तु भूतानि विविधानि च । स्थावराणि चराण्येव अभ्यषिंचन्नराधिपम्

pitāmahādyā devāstu bhūtāni vividhāni ca sthāvarāṇi carāṇyeva abhyaṣiṁcannarādhipam

The gods beginning with the Grandsire, and manifold beings both stationary and moving, consecrated that lord of men.

Verse 58 (padma.2.28.58)

महावीरं प्रजापालं पृथुमेव द्विजोत्तम । पृथुर्वैन्यो राजराज्ये अभिगम्य चराचरैः

mahāvīraṁ prajāpālaṁ pṛthumeva dvijottama pṛthurvainyo rājarājye abhigamya carācaraiḥ

—that great hero, protector of subjects, Prithu himself, O best of brahmins; Prithu, son of Vena, having attained the kingship of kings, together with all moving and unmoving beings—

Verse 59 (padma.2.28.59)

देवैर्विप्रैस्तथा सर्वैरभिषिक्तो महामनाः । राज्ञां समधिराज्ये वै पृथुर्वैन्यः प्रतापवान्

devairvipraistathā sarvairabhiṣikto mahāmanāḥ rājñāṁ samadhirājye vai pṛthurvainyaḥ pratāpavān

—was consecrated by the gods and by all the brahmins too, that great-minded one; over the supreme sovereignty of kings, that mighty Prithu, son of Vena—

Verse 60 (padma.2.28.60)

तस्य पित्रा प्रजाः सर्वाः कदा नैवानुरंजिताः । तेनानुरंजिताः सर्वा मुमुदिरे सुखेन वै

tasya pitrā prajāḥ sarvāḥ kadā naivānuraṁjitāḥ tenānuraṁjitāḥ sarvā mumudire sukhena vai

—whose subjects had never been made content by his father, were all made content by him, and rejoiced in happiness indeed.

Verse 61 (padma.2.28.61)

अनुरागात्तस्य वीरस्य नाम राजेत्यजायत । प्रयातस्य सुवीरस्य समुद्रस्य द्विजोत्तम

anurāgāttasya vīrasya nāma rājetyajāyata prayātasya suvīrasya samudrasya dvijottama

Out of this very affection, that hero's name became 'Raja', king. When that great hero went forth, O best of brahmins, even the ocean—

Verse 62 (padma.2.28.62)

आपस्तस्तंभिरे सर्वा भयात्तस्य महात्मनः । दुर्गं मार्गं विलोप्यैव सुमार्गं पर्वता ददुः

āpastastaṁbhire sarvā bhayāttasya mahātmanaḥ durgaṁ mārgaṁ vilopyaiva sumārgaṁ parvatā daduḥ

—all its waters stood still, out of fear of that great soul; the mountains, removing every difficult path, gave him easy passage.

Verse 63 (padma.2.28.63)

ध्वजभंगं न चक्रुस्ते गिरयः सर्व एव ते । अकृष्टपच्या पृथिवी सर्वत्र कामधेनवः

dhvajabhaṁgaṁ na cakruste girayaḥ sarva eva te akṛṣṭapacyā pṛthivī sarvatra kāmadhenavaḥ

None of those mountains ever caused his banner to break; the earth yielded her crops without ploughing, everywhere, like wish-fulfilling cows.

Verse 64 (padma.2.28.64)

पर्जन्यः कामवर्षी च वेदयज्ञान्महोत्सवान् । कुर्वंति ब्राह्मणाः सर्वे क्षत्रियाश्च तथा परे

parjanyaḥ kāmavarṣī ca vedayajñānmahotsavān kurvaṁti brāhmaṇāḥ sarve kṣatriyāśca tathā pare

The rain-cloud rained as desired; all the brahmins performed Vedic sacrifices, great festivals, and the kshatriyas too, and others besides—

Verse 65 (padma.2.28.65)

सर्वकामफला वृक्षास्तस्मिञ्छासति पार्थिवे । न दुर्भिक्षं न च व्याधिर्नाकालमरणं नृणाम्

sarvakāmaphalā vṛkṣāstasmiñchāsati pārthive na durbhikṣaṁ na ca vyādhirnākālamaraṇaṁ nṛṇām

—while that king ruled, the trees bore every desired fruit; there was no famine, no disease, no untimely death among men.

Verse 66 (padma.2.28.66)

सर्वे सुखेन जीवंति लोका धर्मपरायणाः । तस्मिञ्छासति दुर्धर्षे राजराजे महात्मनि

sarve sukhena jīvaṁti lokā dharmaparāyaṇāḥ tasmiñchāsati durdharṣe rājarāje mahātmani

All the worlds lived happily, devoted wholly to dharma, while that unassailable king of kings, that great soul, ruled.

Verse 67 (padma.2.28.67)

एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु यज्ञे पैतामहे शुभे । सूत सूत्यां समुत्पन्नः सौम्येहनि महात्मनि

etasminneva kāle tu yajñe paitāmahe śubhe sūta sūtyāṁ samutpannaḥ saumyehani mahātmani

At this very time, in that auspicious sacrifice of the Grandsire, a Suta, bard, was born from the sacrificial fire-pit, on that gentle, great day.

Verse 68 (padma.2.28.68)

तस्मिन्नेव महायज्ञे जज्ञे प्राज्ञोऽथ मागधः । पृथोःस्तवार्थं तौ तत्र समाहूतौ महर्षिभिः

tasminneva mahāyajñe jajñe prājño'tha māgadhaḥ pṛthoḥstavārthaṁ tau tatra samāhūtau maharṣibhiḥ

In that same great sacrifice, the wise Magadha too was born; those two were summoned there by the great sages for the sake of praising Prithu.

Verse 69 (padma.2.28.69)

सूतस्य लक्षणं वक्ष्ये महापुण्यं द्विजोत्तमाः । शिखासूत्रेण संयुक्तो वेदाध्ययनतत्परः

sūtasya lakṣaṇaṁ vakṣye mahāpuṇyaṁ dvijottamāḥ śikhāsūtreṇa saṁyukto vedādhyayanatatparaḥ

I shall describe the greatly meritorious character of the Suta, O best of brahmins: joined with the sacred tuft and thread, devoted to the study of the Veda—

Verse 70 (padma.2.28.70)

सर्वशास्त्रार्थवेत्तासावग्निहोत्रमुपासते । दानाध्ययनसंपन्नो ब्रह्माचारपरायणः

sarvaśāstrārthavettāsāvagnihotramupāsate dānādhyayanasaṁpanno brahmācāraparāyaṇaḥ

—that knower of the meaning of every scripture, devoted to fire-sacrifice, endowed with giving and study, wholly devoted to the discipline of Brahman—

Verse 71 (padma.2.28.71)

देवानां ब्राह्मणानां च पूजनाभिरतः सदा । याचकस्तावकैः पुण्यैर्वेदमंत्रैर्यजेत्किल

devānāṁ brāhmaṇānāṁ ca pūjanābhirataḥ sadā yācakastāvakaiḥ puṇyairvedamaṁtrairyajetkila

—ever devoted to the worship of gods and brahmins; a supplicant who, with his own meritorious praises and Vedic mantras, would surely worship.

Verse 72 (padma.2.28.72)

ब्रह्माचारपरो नित्यं संबंधं ब्राह्मणैः सह । एवं स मागधो जज्ञे वेदाध्ययनवर्जितः

brahmācāraparo nityaṁ saṁbaṁdhaṁ brāhmaṇaiḥ saha evaṁ sa māgadho jajñe vedādhyayanavarjitaḥ

Ever devoted to the discipline of Brahman, in kinship with brahmins — thus was that Magadha born, though devoid of Vedic study.

Verse 73 (padma.2.28.73)

बंदिनश्चारणाः सर्वे ब्रह्माचारविवर्जिताः । ज्ञेयास्ते च महाभागाः स्तावकाः प्रभवंति ते

baṁdinaścāraṇāḥ sarve brahmācāravivarjitāḥ jñeyāste ca mahābhāgāḥ stāvakāḥ prabhavaṁti te

All bards and minstrels are devoid of that Brahmanic discipline; they are to be known as those greatly fortunate praise-singers who come into being in this way.

Verse 74 (padma.2.28.74)

स्तवनार्थमुभौ सृष्टौ निपुणौ सूतमागधौ । तावूचुर्ऋषयः सर्वे स्तूयतामेष पार्थिवः

stavanārthamubhau sṛṣṭau nipuṇau sūtamāgadhau tāvūcurṛṣayaḥ sarve stūyatāmeṣa pārthivaḥ

For the purpose of praise the two, the Suta and Magadha, were both created, skilled ones. All the sages said to them: 'Let this king be praised.'

Verse 75 (padma.2.28.75)

कर्मैतदनुरूपं च यादृशोयं नराधिपः । तावूचतुस्तदा सर्वांस्तानृषीन्बंदिमागधौ

karmaitadanurūpaṁ ca yādṛśoyaṁ narādhipaḥ tāvūcatustadā sarvāṁstānṛṣīnbaṁdimāgadhau

'Praise him with deeds fitting to what kind of ruler this man is.' Then the bard and Magadha said to all those sages:

Verse 76 (padma.2.28.76)

आवां देवानृषींश्चैव प्रीणयावः स्वकर्मभिः । न चास्य विद्वो वै कर्म न तथा लक्षणं यशः

āvāṁ devānṛṣīṁścaiva prīṇayāvaḥ svakarmabhiḥ na cāsya vidvo vai karma na tathā lakṣaṇaṁ yaśaḥ

—'We two please the gods and sages by our own proper work; but we do not truly know his deeds, nor likewise his character or glory.'

Verse 77 (padma.2.28.77)

कर्मणा येन कुर्यावः स्तोत्रमस्य महात्मनः । जानीवस्तन्न विप्रेंद्रा अविज्ञातगुणस्य हि

karmaṇā yena kuryāvaḥ stotramasya mahātmanaḥ jānīvastanna vipreṁdrā avijñātaguṇasya hi

'By what deed, then, might we compose a hymn of praise for this great soul? We do not know this, O foremost of brahmins, for his qualities are unknown to us.'

Verse 78 (padma.2.28.78)

भविष्यैस्तैर्गुणैः पुण्यैः स्तोतव्योयं नरोत्तमः । कृतवान्यानि कर्माणि पृथुरेव महायशाः

bhaviṣyaistairguṇaiḥ puṇyaiḥ stotavyoyaṁ narottamaḥ kṛtavānyāni karmāṇi pṛthureva mahāyaśāḥ

'This excellent man is to be praised through those future, meritorious qualities — whatever deeds that greatly renowned Prithu himself is yet to perform.'

Verse 79 (padma.2.28.79)

ऊचुस्ते मुनयः सर्वे गुणान्दिव्यान्महात्मनः । सत्यवाञ्ज्ञानसंपन्नो बुद्धिमान्ख्यातविक्रमः

ūcuste munayaḥ sarve guṇāndivyānmahātmanaḥ satyavāñjñānasaṁpanno buddhimānkhyātavikramaḥ

All those sages then declared the divine qualities of that great soul: truthful, endowed with knowledge, intelligent, of renowned valor—

Verse 80 (padma.2.28.80)

सदा शूरो गुणग्राही पुण्यवांस्त्यागवान्गुणी । धार्मिकः सत्यवादी च यज्ञानां याजकोत्तमः

sadā śūro guṇagrāhī puṇyavāṁstyāgavānguṇī dhārmikaḥ satyavādī ca yajñānāṁ yājakottamaḥ

—ever heroic, a discerner of virtue, meritorious, generous, virtuous; righteous, truthful, and foremost among performers of sacrifice—

Verse 81 (padma.2.28.81)

प्रियवाक्सत्यवादी च धान्यवान्धनवान्गुणी । गुणज्ञः सगुणग्राही धर्मज्ञः सत्यवत्सलः

priyavāksatyavādī ca dhānyavāndhanavānguṇī guṇajñaḥ saguṇagrāhī dharmajñaḥ satyavatsalaḥ

—of pleasant speech and truthful word, rich in grain and wealth, virtuous; a knower of virtue, a discerner of virtue, a knower of dharma, devoted to truth—

Verse 82 (padma.2.28.82)

सर्वगः सर्ववेत्ता च ब्रह्मण्यो वेदवित्सुधीः । प्रज्ञावान्सुस्वरश्चैव वेदवेदांगपारगः

sarvagaḥ sarvavettā ca brahmaṇyo vedavitsudhīḥ prajñāvānsusvaraścaiva vedavedāṁgapāragaḥ

—all-pervading, all-knowing, devoted to brahmins, learned in the Veda, of excellent understanding; possessed of wisdom, sweet-voiced, versed in the Veda and its auxiliary sciences—

Verse 83 (padma.2.28.83)

धाता गोप्ता प्रजानां स विजयी समरांगणे । राजसूयादिकानां तु यज्ञानां राजसत्तमः

dhātā goptā prajānāṁ sa vijayī samarāṁgaṇe rājasūyādikānāṁ tu yajñānāṁ rājasattamaḥ

—the sustainer and protector of his subjects, victorious on the battlefield; and, among sacrifices such as the Rajasuya, a foremost king—

Verse 84 (padma.2.28.84)

आहर्ता भूतले चैकः सर्वधर्मसमन्वितः । एते गुणा अस्य चांगे भविष्यंति महात्मनः

āhartā bhūtale caikaḥ sarvadharmasamanvitaḥ ete guṇā asya cāṁge bhaviṣyaṁti mahātmanaḥ

—the sole performer of them upon this earth, joined with every dharma. These qualities shall come to be embodied in this great soul.

Verse 85 (padma.2.28.85)

ऋषिभिस्तौ नियुक्तौ तु कुर्वाणौ सूतमागधौ । गुणैश्चैव भविष्यैश्च स्तोत्रं तस्य महात्मनः

ṛṣibhistau niyuktau tu kurvāṇau sūtamāgadhau guṇaiścaiva bhaviṣyaiśca stotraṁ tasya mahātmanaḥ

Thus appointed by the sages, the Suta and Magadha both composed a hymn of praise for that great soul, with those very future qualities.

Verse 86 (padma.2.28.86)

तदा प्रभृति वै लोकास्तवैस्तुष्टा महामते । पुरतश्च भविष्यंति दातारः स्तावनैर्गुणैः

tadā prabhṛti vai lokāstavaistuṣṭā mahāmate purataśca bhaviṣyaṁti dātāraḥ stāvanairguṇaiḥ

From that time onward, O great-minded one, people, pleased by such praises, would become in the future givers, through such praise-worthy qualities.

Verse 87 (padma.2.28.87)

ततः प्रभृति लोकेस्मिन्स्तवेषु द्विजसत्तमाः । आशीर्वादाः प्रयुज्यंते तेषां द्रविणमुत्तमम्

tataḥ prabhṛti lokesminstaveṣu dvijasattamāḥ āśīrvādāḥ prayujyaṁte teṣāṁ draviṇamuttamam

From then on, in this world, O worthy brahmins, blessings are pronounced in such hymns of praise, and excellent wealth is given to those bards.

Verse 88 (padma.2.28.88)

सूताय मागधायैव बंदिने च महोदयम् । चारणाय ततः प्रादात्तैलंगं देशमुत्तमम्

sūtāya māgadhāyaiva baṁdine ca mahodayam cāraṇāya tataḥ prādāttailaṁgaṁ deśamuttamam

To the Suta, to Magadha, to the bard, and of great glory to the minstrel, he then gave the excellent land of Telanga.

Verse 89 (padma.2.28.89)

पृथुः प्रसादाद्धर्मात्मा हैहयं देशमेव च । रेवातीरे पुरं कृत्वा स्वनाम्ना नृपनंदनः

pṛthuḥ prasādāddharmātmā haihayaṁ deśameva ca revātīre puraṁ kṛtvā svanāmnā nṛpanaṁdanaḥ

Prithu, that righteous soul, out of grace, gave the land of Haihaya too; that royal prince, having built a city upon the bank of the Reva in his own name—

Verse 90 (padma.2.28.90)

ब्राह्मणेभ्यो द्विजश्रेष्ठ यजन्दाता पृथुः पुरा । सर्वज्ञं सर्वदातारं धर्मवीर्यं नरोत्तमम्

brāhmaṇebhyo dvijaśreṣṭha yajandātā pṛthuḥ purā sarvajñaṁ sarvadātāraṁ dharmavīryaṁ narottamam

—gave to the brahmins, O best of brahmins, being himself of old a sacrificer and giver. All-knowing, all-giving, mighty in dharma, that excellent man—

Verse 91 (padma.2.28.91)

तं ददृशुः प्रजाः सर्वा मुनयश्च तपोमलाः । ऊचुः परस्परं पुण्या एष राजा महामतिः

taṁ dadṛśuḥ prajāḥ sarvā munayaśca tapomalāḥ ūcuḥ parasparaṁ puṇyā eṣa rājā mahāmatiḥ

—all his subjects beheld him, and the sages, spotless in austerity; those meritorious ones said to one another: 'This king is great-minded—'

Verse 92 (padma.2.28.92)

देवादीनां वृत्तिदाता अस्माकं च विशेषतः । प्रजानां पालकश्चैव वृत्तिदो हि भविष्यति

devādīnāṁ vṛttidātā asmākaṁ ca viśeṣataḥ prajānāṁ pālakaścaiva vṛttido hi bhaviṣyati

—'a giver of sustenance to the gods and others, and to us especially; he shall indeed become the protector and sustainer of his subjects.'

Verse 93 (padma.2.28.93)

इयं धात्री महाप्राज्ञा उप्तं बीजं पुरा किल । जीवनार्थं प्रजाभिस्तु ग्रासयित्वा स्थिराभवत्

iyaṁ dhātrī mahāprājñā uptaṁ bījaṁ purā kila jīvanārthaṁ prajābhistu grāsayitvā sthirābhavat

This greatly wise Nurse, the Earth, having previously had seed sown upon her for their sustenance, was made by the subjects to be entirely consumed, and became barren.

Verse 94 (padma.2.28.94)

ततः पृथुं द्विजश्रेष्ठ प्रजाः समभिदुद्रुवुः । विधत्स्वेति सुवृत्तिं नो मुनीनां वचनं तदा

tataḥ pṛthuṁ dvijaśreṣṭha prajāḥ samabhidudruvuḥ vidhatsveti suvṛttiṁ no munīnāṁ vacanaṁ tadā

Then, O best of brahmins, the subjects rushed to Prithu, crying: 'Provide us good sustenance,' by the word of the sages then.

Verse 95 (padma.2.28.95)

ग्रासयित्वा तदान्नानि पृथ्वी जाता सुनिश्चला । भयं प्रजानां सुमहत्स दृष्ट्वा राजसत्तमः

grāsayitvā tadānnāni pṛthvī jātā suniścalā bhayaṁ prajānāṁ sumahatsa dṛṣṭvā rājasattamaḥ

Having thus consumed the grains, the earth became utterly unyielding. Seeing the very great fear of his subjects, that worthy king—

Verse 96 (padma.2.28.96)

महर्षिवचनात्सोपि प्रगृह्य सशरं धनुः । अभ्यधावत वेगेन पृथ्वीं क्रुद्धो नराधिपः

maharṣivacanātsopi pragṛhya saśaraṁ dhanuḥ abhyadhāvata vegena pṛthvīṁ kruddho narādhipaḥ

—by the word of the great sages, took up his bow together with arrows, and that lord of men, enraged, pursued the earth with great speed.

Verse 97 (padma.2.28.97)

कौंजरं रूपमास्थाय भयात्तस्य तु मेदिनी । वनेषु दुर्गदेशेषु गुप्ता भूत्वा चचार सा

kauṁjaraṁ rūpamāsthāya bhayāttasya tu medinī vaneṣu durgadeśeṣu guptā bhūtvā cacāra sā

Taking on the form of an elephant, out of fear of him, the earth wandered, hidden in forests and difficult regions.

Verse 98 (padma.2.28.98)

न पश्यति महाप्राज्ञः कुरूपं द्विजसत्तमाः । आचचक्षुर्महाप्राज्ञं कुंजरं रूपमास्थिता

na paśyati mahāprājñaḥ kurūpaṁ dvijasattamāḥ ācacakṣurmahāprājñaṁ kuṁjaraṁ rūpamāsthitā

That greatly wise one could not see her in her deformed shape, O worthy brahmins; the sages declared to that greatly wise one that she had taken the form of an elephant.

Verse 99 (padma.2.28.99)

ततः कुंजररूपांतामभिदुद्राव पार्थिवः । ताड्यमाना च सा तेन निशितैर्मार्गणैस्ततः

tataḥ kuṁjararūpāṁtāmabhidudrāva pārthivaḥ tāḍyamānā ca sā tena niśitairmārgaṇaistataḥ

Then that king pursued her in her elephant form; struck by him then with sharpened arrows—

Verse 100 (padma.2.28.100)

हरिरूपं समास्थाय पलायनपराभवत् । हरेरूपं समास्थाय अभिदुद्राव पार्थिवः

harirūpaṁ samāsthāya palāyanaparābhavat harerūpaṁ samāsthāya abhidudrāva pārthivaḥ

—she took on the form of a lion and became intent upon flight; and, taking on the form of a lion, that king pursued her.

Verse 101 (padma.2.28.101)

सोतिक्रुद्धो महाप्राज्ञो रोषारुणसुलोचनः । सुबाणैर्निशितैस्तीक्ष्णैराजघान स मेदिनीम्

sotikruddho mahāprājño roṣāruṇasulocanaḥ subāṇairniśitaistīkṣṇairājaghāna sa medinīm

That greatly wise one, exceedingly enraged, his fine eyes reddened with fury, struck the earth with fine, sharp, keen arrows.

Verse 102 (padma.2.28.102)

आकुलव्याकुला जाता बाणाघातहता तदा । माहिषं रूपमास्थाय पलायनपराभवत्

ākulavyākulā jātā bāṇāghātahatā tadā māhiṣaṁ rūpamāsthāya palāyanaparābhavat

Utterly bewildered, struck by the blows of his arrows, she then took on the form of a buffalo and became intent upon flight.

Verse 103 (padma.2.28.103)

अभ्यधावत वेगेन बाणपाणिर्धनुर्धरः । सा गौर्भूत्वा द्विजश्रेष्ठा स्वर्गमेव गता ध्रुवम्

abhyadhāvata vegena bāṇapāṇirdhanurdharaḥ sā gaurbhūtvā dvijaśreṣṭhā svargameva gatā dhruvam

He, arrow in hand, bow-bearer, pursued her with speed; she, becoming a cow, O best of brahmins, went surely to heaven itself.

Verse 104 (padma.2.28.104)

ब्रह्मणः शरणं प्राप्ता विष्णोश्चैव महात्मनः । रुद्रादीनां च देवानां त्राणस्थानं न विंदति

brahmaṇaḥ śaraṇaṁ prāptā viṣṇoścaiva mahātmanaḥ rudrādīnāṁ ca devānāṁ trāṇasthānaṁ na viṁdati

She reached the refuge of Brahma, and of the great soul Vishnu, and of Rudra and the other gods; yet she found no place of protection.

Verse 105 (padma.2.28.105)

अलभंती भृशं त्राणं वैन्यमेवान्वविंदत । तस्य पार्श्वं पुनः प्राप्ता बाणघातसमाकुला

alabhaṁtī bhṛśaṁ trāṇaṁ vainyamevānvaviṁdata tasya pārśvaṁ punaḥ prāptā bāṇaghātasamākulā

Failing utterly to find protection, she resorted to the son of Vena himself; coming once more to his very side, overwhelmed by the blows of his arrows—

Verse 106 (padma.2.28.106)

बद्धांजलिपुटाभूत्वा तं पृथुं वाक्यमब्रवीत् । त्राहित्राहीति राजेंद्र सा राजानमभाषत

baddhāṁjalipuṭābhūtvā taṁ pṛthuṁ vākyamabravīt trāhitrāhīti rājeṁdra sā rājānamabhāṣata

—joining her hands together, she spoke this word to Prithu: 'Save me, save me!' — thus did she speak to that king of kings.

Verse 107 (padma.2.28.107)

अहं धात्री महाभाग सर्वाधारा वसुंधरा । निहतायां मयि नृप निहतं लोकसप्तकम्

ahaṁ dhātrī mahābhāga sarvādhārā vasuṁdharā nihatāyāṁ mayi nṛpa nihataṁ lokasaptakam

'I am the Nurse, O greatly fortunate one, the support of all, the earth herself; if I am slain, O king, the seven worlds themselves are slain.'

Verse 108 (padma.2.28.108)

कृतांजलिपुटा भूत्वा पूज्या लोकैस्त्रिभिः सदा । उवाच चैनं राजानमवध्या स्त्री सदा नृप

kṛtāṁjalipuṭā bhūtvā pūjyā lokaistribhiḥ sadā uvāca cainaṁ rājānamavadhyā strī sadā nṛpa

With hands joined thus, she who is ever worshipped by the three worlds spoke to this king: 'A woman must never be slain, always, O king.'

Verse 109 (padma.2.28.109)

स्त्रीणां वधे महत्पापं दृष्टमस्ति द्विजोत्तमैः । गवां वधे महत्पापं दृष्टमस्ति द्विजोत्तमैः

strīṇāṁ vadhe mahatpāpaṁ dṛṣṭamasti dvijottamaiḥ gavāṁ vadhe mahatpāpaṁ dṛṣṭamasti dvijottamaiḥ

'Great sin in the slaying of women has been seen by the best of brahmins; great sin in the slaying of cows has been seen by the best of brahmins.'

Verse 110 (padma.2.28.110)

मया विना महाराज कथं धारयसे प्रजाः । अहं यदास्थिरा राजंस्तदा लोकाश्चराचराः

mayā vinā mahārāja kathaṁ dhārayase prajāḥ ahaṁ yadāsthirā rājaṁstadā lokāścarācarāḥ

'Without me, O great king, how will you sustain your subjects? When I am unstable, O king, then the worlds, moving and unmoving—'

Verse 111 (padma.2.28.111)

स्थिरत्वं यांति ते सर्वे स्थिरीभूता यदा ह्यहम् । मां विना तु इमे लोका विनश्येयुश्चराचराः

sthiratvaṁ yāṁti te sarve sthirībhūtā yadā hyaham māṁ vinā tu ime lokā vinaśyeyuścarācarāḥ

—'all attain stability only when I myself become stable. Without me, these worlds, moving and unmoving, would perish.'

Verse 112 (padma.2.28.112)

ततः प्रजा विनश्येयुर्मम नाशे समागते । कथं धारयिता चासि प्रजा राजन्मया विना

tataḥ prajā vinaśyeyurmama nāśe samāgate kathaṁ dhārayitā cāsi prajā rājanmayā vinā

'Then your subjects would perish, should my destruction come to pass. How, O king, will you be the sustainer of your subjects without me?'

Verse 113 (padma.2.28.113)

मयि लोकाः स्थिरा राजन्मयेदं धार्यते जगत् । मद्विनाशे विनश्येयुः प्रजाः सर्वा न संशयः

mayi lokāḥ sthirā rājanmayedaṁ dhāryate jagat madvināśe vinaśyeyuḥ prajāḥ sarvā na saṁśayaḥ

'In me the worlds are stable, O king; by me is this universe sustained. At my destruction, all your subjects would perish, no doubt of it.'

Verse 114 (padma.2.28.114)

न मामर्हसि वै हंतुं श्रेयश्चेत्त्वं चिकीर्षसि । प्रजानां पृथिवीपाल शृणु देव वचो मम

na māmarhasi vai haṁtuṁ śreyaścettvaṁ cikīrṣasi prajānāṁ pṛthivīpāla śṛṇu deva vaco mama

'You should not indeed slay me, if you truly wish to do good for your subjects, O ruler of the earth; hear my word, O lord.'

Verse 115 (padma.2.28.115)

उपायैश्च महाभाग सुसिद्धिं यांत्युपक्रमाः । समालोक्य ह्युपायं त्वं प्रजा येन धरिष्यति

upāyaiśca mahābhāga susiddhiṁ yāṁtyupakramāḥ samālokya hyupāyaṁ tvaṁ prajā yena dhariṣyati

'By right means, O greatly fortunate one, endeavors reach true success; consider well the means by which your subjects may be sustained.'

Verse 116 (padma.2.28.116)

मां हत्वा त्वं महाराज धारणे पालने सदा । पोषणे च महाप्राज्ञ मद्विना हि कथं नृप

māṁ hatvā tvaṁ mahārāja dhāraṇe pālane sadā poṣaṇe ca mahāprājña madvinā hi kathaṁ nṛpa

'Having slain me, O great king, how, without me, O greatly wise one, O king, will you ever sustain, protect, and nourish—'

Verse 117 (padma.2.28.117)

धरिष्यसि प्रजां चेमां कोपं यच्छ त्वमात्मनः । अन्नमयी भविष्यामि धरिष्यामि प्रजामिमाम्

dhariṣyasi prajāṁ cemāṁ kopaṁ yaccha tvamātmanaḥ annamayī bhaviṣyāmi dhariṣyāmi prajāmimām

—'these your subjects? Restrain your own anger. I shall become made of grain, food; I shall sustain these your subjects.'

Verse 118 (padma.2.28.118)

अहं नारी अवध्या च प्रायश्चित्ती भविष्यसि । अवध्यां तु स्त्रियं प्राहुस्तिर्यग्योनिगतामपि

ahaṁ nārī avadhyā ca prāyaścittī bhaviṣyasi avadhyāṁ tu striyaṁ prāhustiryagyonigatāmapi

'I am a woman, and one who must never be slain; you will become subject to atonement if you slay me. They declare that a woman must never be slain, even one who has taken an animal's form.'

Verse 119 (padma.2.28.119)

विचार्यैवं महाराज न धर्मं त्यक्तुमर्हसि । एवं नानाविधैर्वाक्यैरुक्तो धात्र्या नराधिपः

vicāryaivaṁ mahārāja na dharmaṁ tyaktumarhasi evaṁ nānāvidhairvākyairukto dhātryā narādhipaḥ

'Consider this well, O great king; you should not abandon dharma.' Thus, addressed by the Nurse with words of many kinds, that lord of men—

Verse 120 (padma.2.28.120)

कोपमेनं महाराज त्यज दारुणमेव हि । प्रसन्ने त्वयि राजेंद्र तदा स्वस्था भवाम्यहम्

kopamenaṁ mahārāja tyaja dāruṇameva hi prasanne tvayi rājeṁdra tadā svasthā bhavāmyaham

—'abandon this dreadful anger, O great king. When you are pleased, O king of kings, then I shall be at peace.'

Verse 121 (padma.2.28.121)

एवमुक्तस्तया राजा पृथुर्वैन्यः प्रजापतिः । तामुवाच महाभागां धरित्रीं द्विजसत्तमाः

evamuktastayā rājā pṛthurvainyaḥ prajāpatiḥ tāmuvāca mahābhāgāṁ dharitrīṁ dvijasattamāḥ

Thus addressed by her, King Prithu, son of Vena, that Lord of creatures, spoke to that greatly fortunate Earth, O worthy brahmins...